3 October 2014

Dear Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery,

Today was one of those magical days where everything exceeded our expectations. Nine of us gathered under sunny skies. This part of California is in a major heat wave, yet at 9am when we began it was just 58 degrees at Spring Hill. The temperature steadily climbed throughout the workday, but we were so excited by our discoveries that no one minded - or even noticed. Glen of Sonoma County Regional Parks met us in the morning with the usual tool trailer and dump truck, also supplying a cooler filled with welcome ice and water. We worked from 9 to noon, and then made our way to the Kelly-Markhams for a tour of the restored McReynolds barn.

Our plan was to have the majority of our workers do a detailed examination of the southeast corner of the cemetery while Larry raked paths, and I worked with Paul Schoch (attachment 1) in updating the "official" Spring Hill Map. Paul was able to chart last month's new discovery (the two wooden markers), and he and I had just finished going over the rest of the map's updates when we were interrupted by a shout of discovery from the southeast corner.

In clearing roots, Arden heard that satisfying "clunk" of stone (attachment 2 and 4). This stone was much deeper than we are used to finding - probably a foot or more beneath the surface. It took much digging, but Florence May Lavender's headstone (attachment 3) emerged in one piece, with its associated base in many pieces. While we were excavating Florence, Patsy uncovered Daniel Crayne's foot stone (attachment 5). Patsy was looking for Daniel's wife, Rebecca, who should have a marker somewhere in this vicinity, but Rebecca remains elusive, waiting for another day....

Florence May Lavender was listed in the 1934 DAR survey of Spring Hill Cemetery, so we knew she was somewhere in Spring Hill. Until today we had no idea of where her marker was in the cemetery. Sandy Tyler had done some research on Florence and her family, drawing mainly on census records. From Sandy's research, Florence's father was Alexander F Lavender, son of Irish immigrants Robert and Ann, born in New Hampshire in 1856; her mother was Annie M - likely the daughter of Elliot Right and his wife Elizabeth. Alex and Annie met in Honey Creek, Iowa Co, IA, and most likely married there about 1880 when Alex was 24 and Annie 17. Alex was a farm laborer working on the Montgomery's farm, Annie was living at home - her father also a farmer. It is unknown when they made the arduous journey to Sonoma County. Their daughter, Florence, was born April 6, 1882 either in IA or CA, and died March 31, 1886 at Freestone when just 3 years 11 months and 24 days old. We have her death notice from the Petaluma Courier, Sonoma Democrat, and the Daily Republican. None mention her cause of death, but report she was the only child of A.F. and Annie Lavender, and "The Lord has given, and taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." In 1900 Sandy found Alex and Annie in Eureka, CA. Alex worked in/owned a screw turning mill. Listed in the household was a son, William A, born in 1888. They remained in Eureka for the 1910 census, son William Allen becoming a pharmacist. In 1920 Alex and Annie were in LA district 61, with Alexander F Lavender listed as a "watchman/oil tank".

Florence May Lavender has a beautifully inscribed headstone. It reads:

"We loved this tender little one

And would have wished her stay

But let our Father's will be done

She shines in endless day"

Our discoveries rather distracted us from finishing our path raking duties. But the cemetery is in very good shape, and we will get back to the paths in November.

We left the cemetery at noon and excitedly headed to the Kelly-Markham's. Jim Kelly-Markham is an architect, and both he and his wife, Kathleen, have much interest and experience in restoring historic buildings. They moved here from the San Diego area three years ago, settling on part of the original James McReynolds' Spring Hill Ranch. On the Kelly-Markham's land is a barn dating from around 1890 (James McReynolds owned his ranch until his death in 1905). The site of the barn is ideally situated - there is the Jonive stream on one side with its year-round water supply, and a seasonal stream on another.

In the restoration, Jim and Kathleen have left as much original materials as possible. Most of the front outer wall is original (attachment 7). The original structure had had a hay loft, and they removed the loft floor so that the interior of the current structure is open. It will be used as a woodworking shop in future. There had been stalls for animals on the side of the barn (left side of attachment 8), these have been turned into a guest suite. Not only did Jim and Kathleen graciously give us a tour of the barn, but also they finished up by treating us to sumptuous finger sandwiches served with virgin appletinis made with Jim's freshly pressed apple cider (final attachment)! The perfect ending to a lovely day.

Many thanks to Paul Schoch for kindly updating the official map for us, and to Jim and Kathleen for their warm hospitality and informative tour.

Our next workday (and the last of 2014) is scheduled for Friday, November 21, weather permitting. I will be working on our 2015 workday schedule soon, planning to start back up in February.

Best Regards,

Sue

Attachment #1
Paul Map Making

Attachment #2
Finding Florence

Attachment #3
Florence Lavender Stone

Attachment #4
Arden with Discovery

Attachment #5
Finding Daniel Crayne's Foot Stone

Attachment #6
Partial Group

Attachment #7
Restored Barn

Attachment #8
Barn Tour

Attachment #9
Appletinis